Discrimination and Abuse of Power is Nothing New

Unfortunately, discrimination, racism, inequality and abuse of authority is nothing new nor have the people experiencing it been blind to this fact.  What’s different now is that people/ we are fed up realizing that the more nothing is done about it, the more it continues, but it seems like even though we’re doing something about it (i.e. protest), nothing happens. 

As Children’s Social Worker (CSW), we have transition age youth (TAY) on our caseloads. Not only is it nerve wrecking when they awol or engage in CSEC activities but also the fact that our black children are discriminated against and might not make it back to their placement unharmed.

Now that they are young adults, the outcomes of their decisions could have long lasting consequences for their life especially when they experience abuse of power and discrimination. I believe it is your duty as a CSW and or other professional with close contact to educate them not only on the outcomes of the decisions but also steps they can take to protect themselves. 

 Here are four tips to help your TAY along the way:

1.     Make sure they have a caring, trusted adult in their life that they can call on in their time of need for guidance and support.  I know they like to think they can do it on their own, but they simply cannot.  Trusted adults (including you) can be the ears, advice and perspective they need to help make a good decision.

2.     They need to be vigilant, not only of their surrounding but also the people in their circle or the people they hang with and their behaviors.  They could be indirectly put into an unfavorable situation, that our TAY had nothing to do with.  You already know!

3.     Also encourage them to always speak up and advocate for themselves, respectfully.  I know my TAY’s stay cursing people out, maybe even you but they need to understand that the same disrespect they show while in foster care could hurt them and their situation in adulthood, whether it be their housing,, employment, or most importantly, their money.   

4.     They need to get to know their company’s or school’s policy on discrimination, disciplinary actions and any other policy that may apply to them.  Knowledge is power, literally.  The more they know the less likely others will get away with discriminating and abusing their authority.   

These tips will not only help them but it will also make them feel empowered and therefore want to share with their peers.  

What are some tips y’all got?